Sexualizing the workplace refers to incorporating sexually suggestive behaviors, activities, attitudes, and practices into workplace settings such as meetings, events, communications, policies, dress code, rules, etc. Sexualization can be intentional, implicit, unconscious, and may take many forms including gestures, jokes, comments, touching, photos, videos, or physical displays. While it is not new, its rise has been attributed to increasing diversity, remote working, gender equality advocacy, and growing cultural acceptance. The effect of this phenomenon on organizational risk exposure is multifaceted.
Compliance risk relates to the probability that an organization will violate laws, regulations, or ethics while managing sexualized environments. Risks include harassment lawsuits, discrimination claims, employee misconduct investigations, media scandals, and criminal prosecution. These risks are greater when the environment promotes or tolerates sexually suggestive interactions. Companies should establish clear anti-harassment/discrimination standards, training, investigative procedures, and disciplinary actions. They should also ensure their policies are consistently enforced, regardless of position, status, race, age, religion, disability, etc.
Equity risk involves issues of fairness, equitable treatment, inclusivity, and transparency in sexualized workplaces. If some employees receive preferential treatment based on personal interests (i.e., favoritism), others may feel excluded and alienated, impacting engagement, morale, and productivity. Such cultures may breed resentment, jealousy, hostility, and retaliation, leading to legal action, sabotage, or even violence. Equity requires open communication, unbiased decision making, objective performance evaluations, transparent promotion/hire processes, and zero-tolerance for retributions.
Culture risk refers to the effects of sexualization on overall company culture. When a corporation encourages intimacy, eroticism, or other related behaviors, it can cause confusion, embarrassment, distraction, anxiety, frustration, or trauma. This can lead to lower productivity, turnover, absenteeism, reduced morale, or job satisfaction. It may also damage reputational image, stakeholder trust, or public perception, resulting in customer loss, investor withdrawals, or community backlash. Investments must be made in employee wellbeing, safety, privacy, confidentiality, professionalism, and respect.
How does the sexualization of a corporate environment influence organizational risk exposure, particularly in relation to compliance, equity, and culture?
Sexualizing the workplace may have a number of effects on an organization's risk exposure, including its ability to maintain compliance with relevant laws and regulations, promote equitable treatment of employees, and foster a positive and productive company culture. On the one hand, sexualized environments may contribute to a sense of unease and discomfort among some workers, which can negatively impact their job performance and lead to increased turnover rates.